Today (Monday 17th) is the first day of the Australian Open Tennis Tournament and Sam, Will and myself went along. Unlike Wimbledon, where you have to get up very early in the morning, drive to London and queue for several hours to get in (if you don't have a ticket), I had bought a family ticket at the shops the day before for $75.It was hassle free and we waltzed in at 10.30 with me meeting up with my friends Jackie and Viv.Everything is very "blue" compared to the green, purple and white colours at Wimbledon, and the lines-people and ball boys/girls were wearing yellow - NOT the smart green/blue blazers of Wimbledon.
Saw some great matches - Francesca Schiavone (number 6), Sam Querrey (USA's number 18) who was knocked out by a Polish guy and Na Li - China's number 9 seed who had a huge following. Watched a bit of Tomas Berdych (number 6) and then went to watch our token English girl - Elena Baltacha on court number 10 (who I bumped into in the ladies loo just before the match started!) We had front row seats and rallied up tons of support for her, especially when it looked like she was going to lose at the last hurdle due to a leg injury. However, she rallied through and won ! Andy Murry's Mum was there watching too!
The only down side of the day was that it was sooo cold! The day before it had started cloudy but then cleared by 10a.m and was lovely and sunny. I assumed the same would happen again, so wore a dress. But it didn't and me, Viv and Jackie were huddled under a blanket most of the day wishing we had worn jeans! So much for the Aussie summer - definitely warmer at Wimbledon!
Hi Guys,love the photos of the cricket and tennis. Looks like you are all having a great time. Good to hear that Caroline was cheering on Leyton Hewitt - just like our Wimbledon day! Shame about the weather - probably the only occasion that the UK weather was better than Oz.
ReplyDeleteSounds much better organised to get in than Wimbledon but bet they dont serve Pimms and strawberries.
Weather is very dull at home and had lots of rain - Lola gets very muddy outside now and needs frequent baths. Girls have gone back to school/college fine and Ems had her first exams in History and Biology last week towards her A Levels. She thought they went well but will find out in March.
Paul has flu and sinus infection and we are all trying to steer clear of the germs! Swine flu is pretty bad in UK and took Paul to doctors this week and the waiting room was full of people with flu - had to sit outside:-) I am off to Luton for 2 days this week for another course - wooooo how exciting! Hopefully things will quieten now next month with work as still working 9-10 hours a day and need to get home to Lola each night :-)
Hope you are all well and boys are looking forward to going back to school soon - sure Caroline is.
Take care and will be in touch when back from the delights of Luton!!! Love & hugs Lisa xxxx